The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) has published comprehensive guidance on the installation of external wall insulation (EWI) designed to ensure that EWI systems are fit for purpose and installed to a high standard.

The INCA EWI Best Practice Guide, which has been endorsed by the European Association for External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (EAE), sets out an accepted minimum standard for installations, standardises common details that occur on site, and provides useful information on the components that make up a finished system. It will assist the industry to ensure that EWI systems are installed to the required standard to provide a thermal upgrade, be aesthetically pleasing and achieve the design life they have been assessed for. The guide can also help to inform the industry’s clients, including architects, main contractors and local authorities, about the correct choice of system for their projects.

INCA members apply the latest skills, innovations and techniques to deliver high quality new build and refurbishment projects in the non-residential and domestic sectors and this new guide from INCA will help to raise quality standards across the EWI industry.

INCA Chairman Pádraig Barry said: “The INCA Best Practice Guide for EWI is an essential resource for everyone involved in EWI and represents a huge step forward at a time when the quality of solid wall insulation installations are under the microscope. The publication of this guide reinforces that INCA members are leading the
way in EWI innovation and remain uniquely placed to deliver the highest quality for clients.”

The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) has published a manifesto ahead of the General Election calling on any future Government to set out a clear role for external wall insulation (EWI) as part of a coherent energy efficiency strategy.

The INCA manifesto builds on the findings of the report from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), Up Against the (Solid) Wall: What Changes to the ECO Mean for Energy Efficiency Policy, which demonstrates the substantial benefits of solid wall insulation for the UK, including the employment, health and social impacts on residents. INCA is calling for support for EWI to improve energy efficiency, cut fuel bills and lift households out of poverty and the manifesto makes the case for a long-term energy efficiency strategy with sustainable funding initiatives.

INCA has put forward the following ‘key asks’ for any future Government:

Recognise the economic case for investment in EWI to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty, to create growth in the UK economy and to support community regeneration

Develop and implement an energy efficiency strategy that supports EWI on a large scale with realistic targets for upscaling the delivery of EWI to insulate 3.5 million solid wall properties by 2030

Commit to consistent policies which allow the EWI industry to invest and plan for the future to the benefit of its clients

Prioritise funding for sustainable funding initiatives developed with input from the industry.

INCA Chairman Pádraig Barry said: “There is still a huge challenge to meet with the latest Government figures showing that only 3% of the 8 million solid wall properties in Britain have received insulation. At the current installation rate it will take around 150 years to insulate all solid wall homes, which undermines the important role upgrading our existing housing stock has on lowering carbon emissions and reducing fuel poverty. The General Election offers a real opportunity to make the industry’s voice heard and bring about a step change in the approach from Government.”

The Insulated Render and Cladding Association (INCA) Awards 2015, which reward achievement in the external wall industry (EWI), are now open for entries. The annual awards have become a benchmark for innovation and excellence in the industry and for over a decade have been recognising outstanding performance in EWI which contributes to improving energy efficiency, cutting fuel bills and lifting households out of fuel poverty.

There are nine award categories covering projects in the non-residential and domestic sectors, training and sustainability which are designed to recognise the abundance of talent working in different areas across the EWI industry and the winners are decided by an independent judging panel of respected industry experts.

This year sees the introduction of a brand new award for Outstanding Achievement which will be the first to be presented to an individual. This award will recognise those who have made a real difference to the EWI industry through personal attainment and anyone from a Managing Director to an apprentice can be nominated for initiatives including business development, health and safety, marketing, and technical development.

INCA Marketing Committee Chairman Anita Houghton said: “The INCA Awards are the perfect opportunity to showcase not only the high quality of work undertaken by INCA members but also the wide-ranging benefits of EWI, including lower energy bills, improved living standards and area regeneration. With a new award for individual excellence alongside those for companies who have gone above and beyond, this year’s Awards will once again highlight all that is good about EWI.”

The Awards entry form can be downloaded at www.inca-ltd.org.uk and the closing date for entries is Monday 16 March 2015 at 5:00pm. The winners will be revealed in front of over 300 industry guests at the black-tie INCA Awards Dinner later this year.